Here are 8 things for spinal surgeons to know for February 26, 2013.
1. The MAC Palmetto GBA removed MIS SI joint fusion from non-coverage
The Medicare Administrative Contractor Palmetto GBA announced that it will cover minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion procedures on a case-by-case basis. It is the first Part A/B MAC in the United States to take this action.
2. Mazor Robotics announced a net loss of $20M for FY 2013
The company said that it recorded a net loss of $20.52 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013, a significantly higher loss as compared to the same period last year of $7.06 million. In 4Q of FY 2013, the company recorded a net loss of $2.03 million, down from the net loss of $4.4 million it recorded during the same period last year. Its revenue for 4Q of FY 2013 was $5.724 million.
3. Spine tumor surgery hospitalization costs on the rise
An article published in Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine examined the outcomes and cost of spinal cord tumor surgery in the United States. The researchers found the average hospitalization cost increased from $45,452.24 in 2003 to $76,698.96 in 2010. Researchers also found numerous independent predictors of adverse discharge disposition such as elderly patients and complications.
4. 3D fluoroscopic navigation improves pedicle screw placement accuracy
The Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine study examined 30 studies that analyzed the use of conventional fluoroscopy, two-dimensional fluoroscopic navigation and three-dimensional fluoroscopic navigation in pedicle screw placement. The researchers found 95.5 percent accuracy with 3D fluoroscopic navigation.
5. RTI Surgical launched new spine systems for fusions
The company launched the MaxFuse Vertebral Body Replacement System and the Aspect Anterior Cervical Plate System. Both systems are designed for use in spine fusions and are FDA approved.
6. CMS re-opened bundled payment program for new applicants
CMS re-opened the program over a 60-day window on Feb. 14, giving orthopedic and spine surgeons another chance to enroll for the increasingly popular programs.
7. Drs. Dave Atteberry, Hoan Tran joined Sunnyside Community Hospital
Dr. Atteberry focuses on stereotactic radiosurgery, cervical and lumbar disc surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Tran focuses on degenerative spine conditions and spinal oncology.
8. Study publishes hematoma risk factors after ACDF
A recent article published in Spine discussed the risk factors for postoperative retropharyngeal hematoma after anterior cervical spine surgery. Researchers gathered data on 2,375 anterior cervical spine procedures from a single institution and found that there were 17 occurrences of postoperative hematoma that occurred within 24 hours of surgery in 65 percent of the patients.
More Articles on Spine:
Anterior Spine Surgery for Disc Herniation at C7-T1: Outcomes Analysis
Orthopedic, Neurosurgeon Roles: Medical Teaching, Administrative & Research
Growing Patient Volume in 2014 & Beyond: 4 Spine Surgeon Initiatives